The Essence of Christianity Author:Ludwig Feuerbach, George Eliot (Translator) Introductory essay by Karl Barth; foreword by Richard Niebuhr. — The Essence of Christianity is the most significant critique of the Christian religion published in the nineteenth century. The work made Feuerbach a major public figure, admired by some, unpopular with others, but neglected by few. The impact of the book was enormous; it e... more »xposed with systematic order, passionate style, and often radical illustrations the weaknesses of contemporary religious thought and philosophy. It upset the entire dominant German philosophical tradition and assumed the lead in the historical critique of religious thought.« less